'To read South Australian poet the late Airlie Jane Kirkham's latest collection is to listen to a musical mind at work. I greatly admire the way in which her poems evoke such delight in the life forces of music, despite the restrictions of her own reality. Her description of the simple beauty of the images and sounds weave vibrantly through her poems. Kirkham's language is sprightly, playful and capable of surprising the reader into a heightened appreciation of music.' - Jules Leigh Koch, author of five poetry collections and member of Friendly Street Poets'This book is a triumph of the human spirit. When Airlie Kirkham's promising life and career were cut short by the horrific accident that left her hospitalised for long stretches, permanently paralysed, confined to a wheelchair and in need of constant care, she might well have lost hope. Instead, like the phoenix rising, she has turned to poetry to express the feelings of the last thirty-four years, and in thoughtful sensitive poems she has communicated with a world that must be moved by her courage and determination. It is an inspirational book conveyed in deeply expressive poems which explore the musical world, which gave her great pleasure and highlights her musical achievements. - Valerie Volk, writer of In Due Season, Passion Play, Marking Time, In Search of Anna and others.Music Stirs My Soul is a triumph of courage and creativity. Airlie shares with us her hopes and dreams, and the enjoyment found in everyday life. Her home town Adelaide is highlighted but it is in the poems about music that her joy is most vivid. Imaginative and fresh images enable us to see through Airlie's eyes the beauty of music. Music gives delight in "the elegance of Mozart, the splendour of Mahler, the verve of Prokoviev." Airlie paints pictures from her personal journey inviting us to share her love of music, her musical skills and its joys in her life.' - Pamela Kirkham (Editor)
